What about motorists?

<p>Regarding Ray Jordan's Dec. 29 letter: As a cyclist and recent appointee to the MTPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, I am attentive to cycling issues in our community.<br/></p><p> I won't take exception to Jordan's comments about cyclists who use bad judgment and break vehicle laws, as it is true. On the other hand, as a percentage of cyclists on the road, I suspect they are a minority. Jordan wants to know why cyclists can't be law-abiding like him. Perhaps he is the perfect driver who never does wrong, but if he is only half as critical of his fellow motor vehicle operators as he is of cyclists I'm sure he would observe far more flagrant violations of the laws by motorists.<br/></p><p> These violations are more likely to cause serious injury and property damage than the actions of a few irresponsible cyclists. I have been hit on my bicycle several times by distracted motorists.<br/></p><p> Jordan would prefer his tax money not fund bike lanes. Tax cyclists to pay for constructing bike lanes, he says. Perhaps our tax base should be just as selective for all services. If you choose not to support schools, don't pay school tax. Don't use the library? Don't pay the tax. Where would you stop in selecting what you feel you want to pay for?<br/></p><p> Would he consider a pedestrian tax and license to walk on sidewalks? What if I could deduct the cost of supporting road construction and maintenance from my taxes if I would just give up my car?<br/></p><p> I cycle and walk whenever it is practical, and I willingly pay my taxes to fund all aspects of our organized society, even those I don't use. That is the cost of living in a community and society with laws.<br/></p><h3>Ken Duffield, Jr.,</h3> <p>Gainesville</p>